In today’s app-focused world, you don’t need to be an expert with an expensive camera to take great photos. All you really need is the device in your hand – your smartphone. Even professional photographers like Chase Jarvis are using them as serious tools. However, it’s not just a matter of point-click-shoot. Using apps on your photos can really enhance them when taking pictures with a smartphone. We talked to the author of Portrait And Candid Photography Photo Workshop and creativeLIVE instructor Erin Manning about the apps she uses to make her photos stand out.
Diptic – Diptic allows you to create side-by-side images, before and after comparisons, and other photo collections. With 179 layouts, you can crop, customize, and frame your photos. You can use filters, add text, and adjust brightness, contrast, and texture. It’s also an excellent app for sharing. You can save your images and share them through email, Instagram, Facebook, Flickr, Twitter, or Tumblr.
Photosynth – Made by Microsoft, Photosynth allows you to create interactive, 360 degree panoramas of just about anything. If you are ever out on a hike, at a baseball game or just sitting around with the family in the backyard, this app is really your best friend. It’s also phenomenal for social sharing.
Split Pic – What can’t this app do? Split Pic let’s you divide your camera into different sections which allows you to create some pretty remarkable images. You can blend multiple images together, create special effects to create surreal images in just minutes. With over 10 million downloads so far, this app is one of the more popular free apps out there.
EyeEM – This app connects you with people around the globe through the art of photography! EyeEm lets you share and discover photos with equally-creative people worldwide. You can enhance your images with an array of filters and find out how much the EyeEm community loves them by sharing them with everyone.
PS Express – The most powerful photo editing tool ever created is available as an easy-to-use app. Every pro uses Adobe Photoshop — and now you can too, through your smartphone. From filters to touch ups, this app can do just about everything. The only downside is you need to pay for the different “packs” associated with each feature.
Crystal Storyteller – By far the most basic app on the list, The Storyteller lets you customize your photographs with captions, color tones, frames, and typefaces. You can then share your images with anyone in the world through email Facebook, or even on a postcard.